Japan and the US in the Modern Space Race

The race to the moon, once a distant memory of the 20th century, has found new contenders in the early 2020s. This time, Japan and the United States are at the forefront, each demonstrating ambitious lunar aspirations. Did you know they’re actually in the only existing space alliance? Recent developments from both nations have set the stage for a fascinating phase in space exploration.

Japan’s Moon Landing Endeavor

Japan, in a bid to become the 5th country to land on the moon, has made significant strides with its program. As reported by Good News Network in January 2024, Japan’s efforts signal not just a technological leap but also a symbolic step in Asia’s growing role in space exploration (Corbley, 2024). This mission, if successful, will not only bring prestige but also open new avenues for lunar research and potential resource utilization.

The US’s Peregrine Mission Setback

Contrasting Japan’s progress, the US faced a setback with its Peregrine mission. CNN reported in January 2024 that the mission had to abandon its moon landing attempt due to a critical fuel loss, marking a moment of reflection for NASA’s lunar ambitions (CNN, 2024). This incident underscores the challenges inherent in space missions and the need for constant innovation and vigilance.

NASA’s Crewed Artemis Moon Mission Delay

Further developments from the US side included an expected announcement of a months-long delay for the crewed Artemis moon mission, as per CNN (CNN, 2024). This delay, while a hurdle, is also a reminder of the meticulous preparation required for crewed space travel, especially for a mission as ambitious as Artemis, aiming to return humans to the Moon.

Space Race or Collaboration?

The US and Japan actually have an alliance: traditionally it was a military and security pact, but it was expanded to include space cooperation. This agreement reflects a response to contemporary challenges and technological advancements. It signifies a strategic move to address mutual interests in space exploration and security. The expansion of this alliance into other planets is not just a response to regional security concerns but also a recognition of the increasing importance of space in global affairs.

“Both share an understanding of space-related threats, whether accidental or deliberate. Japan is also aligning with U.S.-led civilian, commercial, and military ventures in space in concrete ways and is poised to expand on those building blocks under its new national security posture.”

CSIS, 2023

Analyzing this development through a Liberal internationalist lens, the agreement represents a paradigm shift from competition to collaboration in the realm of space exploration. It challenges the traditional notion of a ‘space race’, suggesting a more cooperative approach to exploring and utilizing space. This collaboration aligns with liberal ideals of shared progress, interdependence, and peaceful exploration. It also complements recent activities by both nations in space exploration, indicating that what might appear as a race is also deeply interwoven with collaborative efforts for mutual advancement in space technology and exploration.

For more detailed information, you can visit the CSIS here

Statista: The Race for the Moon Continues

References

1. Corbley, A. (2024, 4 enero). SPACEFAring Japan may become the 5th country to land on the moon this month. Good News Network. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/spacefaring-japan-looks-to-become-the-5th-country-to-land-on-the-moon-this-month/
2. Peregrine mission abandons moon landing attempt after suffering ‘critical’ fuel loss. (2024, 8 enero). CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/08/world/peregrine-lunar-lander-anomaly-astrobotic-nasa-scn/index.html
3. First on CNN: NASA expected to announce ‘months-long delay’ for crewed Artemis moon mission. (s. f.). CNN. Recuperado 8 de enero de 2024, de https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/08/world/nasa-artemis-delays-scn/index.html
4. Pekkanen, S. M. (2023, 23 junio). Repositioning the U.S.-Japan Alliance for Space. CSIS. https://www.csis.org/analysis/repositioning-us-japan-alliance-space#:~:text=It%20now%20also%20extends%20to,military%20pact%20to%20outer%20space.
5. Buchholz, K. (2023b, agosto 23). The race for the moon continues. Statista Daily Data. https://www.statista.com/chart/18698/planned-missions-to-the-moon/